A kernel for PEM fuel cell distribution of relaxation times

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new kernel for calculating the distribution of relaxation times in PEM fuel cells, effectively capturing impedance features with negative real parts and improving analysis of transport processes.

Contribution

A novel kernel based on oxygen transport impedance equations is proposed, enabling accurate DRT analysis of PEM fuel cells with negative real impedance components.

Findings

The $K_2$ kernel accurately captures the GDL transport peak.

Classic $RC$-circuit kernel misses the GDL peak.

DRT analysis reveals distinct transport and reaction peaks in PEMFCs.

Abstract

Impedance of all oxygen transport processes in PEM fuel cell has negative real part in some frequency domain. A model function (kernel) for calculation of distribution of relaxation times (DRT) of a PEM fuel cell is suggested. The kernel is designed for capturing impedance with negative real part and it stems from the equation for impedance of oxygen transport through the gas--diffusion transport layer (doi:10.1149/2.0911509jes). Using recent analytical solution for the cell impedance it is shown that DRT calculated with the novel $K_2$ kernel correctly captures the GDL transport peak, while the classic DRT based on the $RC$--circuit (Debye) kernel misses this peak. Employing $K_2$ kernel, analysis of DRT spectra of a real PEMFC is performed. The leftmost on the frequency scale DRT peak represents oxygen transport in the channel, and the rightmost peak is due to proton transport in the cathode catalyst layer. The second, third and fourth peaks exhibit oxygen transport in the GDL, faradaic reactions on the cathode side, and oxygen transport in the catalyst layer, respectively.